War on plastic: McDonald’s signs up for ReFILL campaign in Blackpool

Global fast food giant McDonald’s has thrown its support behind the ReFILL campaign and will offer free tap water to passers-by at three of its branches in Blackpool.

By posting blue stickers in their windows, which will invite people in for ‘free tap water ReFILLs available here’, the multi-million pound chain has enrolled in the fight against plastic bottles washing up on our beaches.

Branches where the drinks machine is in view of the counter – in Rigby Road, in Bank Hey Street, and on the Promenade at South Shore – are taking part, much to the delight of LOVEmyBEACH, which launched the ReFILL scheme.

Stephanie Wyatt said: “It’s clear that big businesses are recognising the issue of plastic pollution in our oceans and are willing to take steps to improvements. This is fantastic news and we hope that others will follow by this example.”

McDonald’s Franchisee Nigel Dunnington said: “As a local business we are committed to reducing our environmental impact and I was delighted to see the recent announcement from our CEO, Paul Pomroy, regarding the trial of paper straws in some of our UK restaurants. Whilst my restaurant will not be involved in the paper straws trial, I am pleased to say that we will be moving plastic straws behind the counter and will continue to work with local community groups, such as LOVEmyBEACH, to help support environmental initiatives in our region.”

The branches will also pour hot drinks into customers’ own refillable containers if they ask when ordering.

The Gazette is campaigning to get 200 businesses to sign up for ReFILL.

To get involved, send an email to editorial@blackpoolgazette.co.uk with the subject header ‘ReFILL’, and somebody will get back to you in due course. Alternatively, call (01253) 361726.